
CPCS Appointed Persons: Lifting Operations (A61) - Open Course
Open courses
From £820 + VAT
Traditional classroom available UK wide
What is the CPCS Appointed Persons: Lifting Operations Open Course?
Open Courses are face-to-face training courses that are held at a training venue. Due to the nature of CPCS training and the practical elements involved, they suit only this type of training, they are not suitable for virtual or on-site delivery.
The 4 or 5-day CPCS Appointed Persons course will teach managers and supervisors their responsibilities around lifting operations and how to fulfil them safely and effectively.
If you already hold the CPCS Code A40 Slinger/Signaller, you will also achieve the CPCS Code A62 Crane Supervisor qualification.
CPCS Appointed Persons: Lifting Operations - Key Information
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Foundation training courses are for managers and supervisors that are beginners or those with some experience of planning lifting operations.
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Complete this course to apply for your Red Card or to keep your Blue Card up to date
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CPCS is the most recognised qualification for operating plant in the UK
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You must hold the relevant CITB health, safety and environment test (less than 2 years old)
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Practical, hands-on training course
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You must have sufficient experience with cranes to meet the requirements specified in British Standard 7121

CPCS Appointed Persons Course Details
On receiving payment for your CPCS Appointed Person (A61) course, an email with your ‘course joining instructions’ is sent to you.
This document includes the following details:
- Your chosen course start date and subsequent dates (this is either a 4 or 5-day course)
- Course start time at your chosen venue
- Address of your chosen venue, including a map screenshot
- Details of what to do if you need any special requirements to complete the course
You need to bring photographic ID, such as a driving licence or passport with you.
Lunch is not included, so please provide your own.

CPCS Appointed Persons: Lifting Operations Course Content
You will cover the following learning objectives on your Appointed Person course:
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of an appointed person in the construction industry
- Comprehend the relevant health and safety legislation and regulations, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
- Understand the principles of risk assessment and the importance of safe work systems
- Plan and organise lifting operations, including equipment selection, the use of lifting accessories, and preparation of a lift plan
- Describe different types of cranes and associated terminology
- Understand crane documentation
- Understand crane stability, duty charts and safety devices
- Monitor and supervise lifting operations, including the use of safe signalling procedures, equipment inspection and maintenance, and emergency situation management
- Observe British Standard 7121 Safe Use of Cranes Guidelines sections 1, 2, 3 and 4
- Communicate effectively with other members of the lifting team and relevant parties, such as the crane operator, site manager, and client
- Identify and manage hazards and risks associated with lifting operations, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Emphasise the importance of record-keeping and maintaining accurate and complete records of lifting operations
What happens on an Appointed Person Course?
Most CPCS courses will run in the following format:
- Day 1 – mostly theory-based classroom training. This is to ensure that you are confident with the theory aspect before you go out and complete the practical training. Depending on how your theory learning goes, you may get practical training for some of the day on your first day.
- The next 3 days of learning is usually putting your theory knowledge into practice by completing the practical exercises of your training.
- On the final day of your course, you will complete your theory test preparation by completing mock exam questions, and then complete your actual assessment: the CPCS technical tests.

Assessment and Certification
You will take both a theory and practical assessment for your CPCS Appointed Persons course.
You will take a theory assessment in the form of the CPCS verbal test. You need to achieve 80%, plus full marks on any mandatory questions to pass the standard set for the theory test.
In your practical test you will be assessed through practical activities based on the core skills needed outlined in the learning objectives.
What qualification will I get on the CPCS Appointed Person course?
- CPCS Trained Operator Card (red card) on passing the CPCS technical tests.
- CITB National Construction College e-certificate, available on request from CITB.

Entry Requirements
To be able to enrol on a CPCS Appointed Persons: Lifting Operations (A61) you will have to have the following:
- CITB health, safety and environment test (managers and professionals level) passed no more than two years before the course start date
- You should have sufficient experience of cranes to meet the requirements specified in British standard 7121 Safe Use of Cranes
- Good understanding of spoken and written English.
Special Considerations
The delegate can have additional time for their theory test which is a verbal or taped verbal test. If a translator is required, this will incur additional costs and will need to be arranged in advance.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding support during the course, please contact our team on 0800 0213 263.
Popular CPCS courses
View other CPCS plant categories below:

CPCS Slinger/Signaller (A40)
The CPCS Slinger Signaller course teaches you how to safely guide lifting equipment on a construction site, including how to communicate with crane operators, check equipment, and follow site safety rules.

CPCS Crane Supervisor (A62)
The CPCS Crane Supervisor course will enable you to undertake the duties of a crane supervisor through achieving the relevant CPCS card.

CPCS Compact Crane (A66)
This CPCS training course will teach you how to safely operate as a Traffic Marshall on a construction site directing plant traffic. On successful completion of your course you will earn your CPCS red card.
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Selected course details: Open courses - CPCS Appointed Persons: Lifting Operations (A61)